Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello
During summer I didnt use any extra my baby pyro. Now that its cooler I do . The warm area is 80 and the cool area is 72 . Its a 20 gallon long tank with hide areas on both sides.
He seems to be out more and spends more time in 72 degree area. Is 80 degrees on one side to warm?
That area has a UTH set on low and overhead 40 watt dark bulb that has air temp around 80 over his ceramic hide cave while the cool side air temp 72 and no UTH area.
I use a ZOO -MED round type stick on thermometer on both sides thus those are the temps. Its only a 20 long but the blue spotlight placed on one side of tank does give such a big difference in temp.
I am starting to think 80 might be to hot any input would be welcomed. He used to hide in that areas all day and lots night now he is out around 3pm stays in cooler side till early am that hides again in warmer area.
thanks
Rita

The key is to give your pyro choices. 80 is not hot enough. Your snake needs to have a wide range of temperature, humidity and shelter choices. Too hot is not a problem if the snake can choose the temperature it wants when it wants. This means it must be able to get away from the hot spots. Snakes do different things at different temps. Watch it. After meals > heat. Opaque > heat. cycling females > heat. etc. If not performing certain body functions, most southern US snakes like it cool, and you can go less than 72 on your cool end. Give it options. It will thrive if you do.

Thanks what would you say is good for hottest area 85?
I cannot go lower than 72 on cool end if I go with mid 80s on the other its not possible in a 20 long.
Though I see what your saying . when I mention the temp in the warm area I mention the air temp not counting the UTH which is also under hide area in "hot" area .
The room he is kept in has temp of 68 so with a spotlight incandescent over his warm hide area that also sits ontop of uts 72 is coolest I can get on other side of 20 long.
thanks
Rita